One of the most challenging aspects of storm damage cleanup is dealing with downed trees. Heavy winds and rain can leave branches strewn across your yard, and it’s important to take the right steps to remove them to keep your property and everyone on it safe. The team of professional arborists at TrimCo Tree Experts in Midland City, AL, recommend the following advice.

How to Successfully Care for Damaged Trees After a Storm

1. Remove Immediate Threats

During storm damage cleanup, remove any tree limbs that pose an immediate threat to your home or property, such as broken branches that overhang a house, fence, or walkway. This ensures your family’s safety and prevents further injury to the tree. The branches of heavy, mature trees are dangerous if not handled with care, so consulting a professional for assistance is recommended.

2. Assess the Damage

In the period right after a storm, a tree may look more damaged than it actually is. Be patient and take time to assess each tree’s chances for recovery. Mature trees with broken limbs can be saved as long as the wounded branches don’t affect the overall structure. Younger trees are capable of rebounding quickly from minor damage sustained during an early stage of their life cycle. If you’re unsure how to evaluate the impact, hiring a tree specialist to help with your storm damage cleanup will make the process easier.

3. Cut Correctly

To give a damaged tree the best chance of recovery, it’s important to prune it correctly. Proper trimming takes care and attention to the structure of each individual tree. If you remove too many boughs, the tree won’t have enough foliage to stay healthy and rebound. When pruning a tree, remove only loose limbs at risk of falling.

4. Know When to Remove a Tree

Remove severely damaged trees that cannot be saved to prevent further hazards. For instance, if a tree has lost more than half of its crown or the trunk has split, it bears little chance of restoration. If a tree has started leaning heavily after a storm, it may be a sign of a weakened root system. Because weakened trees are susceptible to tipping in high winds, the safest route is removal.

For assistance managing your trees after a storm, contact TrimCo Tree Experts. Serving the Wiregrass area, including Dale, Houston, Henry, and Barber counties, their staff of qualified and professional arborists is highly trained in maintaining all types of trees. To speak with a team member, call (334) 791-2087, or visit them online to learn more about their services.